Two people walking on the beach.
Sloth in a tree.
Two bikers on a bridge.
Waterfall ending in a pool of water.
Toucan perching on tree branch.
Backroads' leader loading bikes on top of a van.
View of palm tree in jungle landscape.
Hummingbird collecting nectar.
Sunset beach view with palm trees.
Four people biking through the countryside.
Fruit salad made of papaya and blueberries.
Person teaching how to make tortillas.
Row of mojito cocktails.
Biker riding on a countryside road.
Biking
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Costa Rica Bike Tour

Arenal Volcano to the Osa Peninsula

Couples, Friends & Solos

6 days 5 nights

Activity Level: 2-4

Premiere & Casual Plus Hotels

From: $4,099 - $4,599 pp dbl occ

Plus $600 internal air

($1,150 - $1,450 for sgl occ)

Consider some of the best days of your life—and include this week in Costa Rica. You'll bike amid enchanting scenery. Soak in hot springs, hike in a coastal rain forest, bliss out poolside and marvel at that majestic volcano. Love those papaya smoothies. Be greeted by howler monkeys. Six incredible days that will never be forgotten.

Costa Rica Biking Tour
Costa Rica Biking Tour

Costa Rica

Start/End San José

Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Highlights

  • Bike past thriving rain forests, bountiful fruit groves, captivating villages and farming hamlets
  • Ride in the shadow of imposing Arenal Volcano after a boat ride across its beautiful sister lake
  • Rejuvenate in hot springs in a jungle oasis full of lush palms, colorful bromeliads and verdant ferns
  • Experience true off-the-beaten-path Costa Rica in the Osa Peninsula

Itinerary

Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere & Casual Plus Hotels*
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-3
Description

Meet our longtime local friends, who introduce you to the pura vida lifestyle that defines Tico (Costa Rican) culture | Ride on undulating roads through rain forests, over rivers, past fruit groves and farming hamlets | Clouds willing, the views of Arenal Volcano will be impressive! | Cool off with a refreshing fruit drink in La Fortuna | Take in majestic Arenal Volcano on a boat ride across Lake Arenal | Pedal part of the Vuelta al Lago bike race route | Sweet music to your ears? Listen for the call of howler monkeys as you venture across a network of hanging bridges high in the rain forest canopy | Join a cooking class and learn to make ceviche, patacones and mojitos | Bike rolling roads flanked by papaya, pineapple and yucca plantations | Soak in hot springs amid palms, bromeliads and ferns | The afternoon is yours to do as you choose—a zip line adventure through the jungle treetops or a visit to the spa, perhaps?

Accommodations
Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens
Nayara Gardens
La Fortuna
| Premiere Hotel

Arenal Volcano is on display at this tranquil oasis, where each spacious bungalow offers a private deck with whirlpool tub and a secluded outdoor shower. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa)

Days 4-6
Description

A scenic flight whisks us to the Pacific coast | Cycle undulating roads along the Golfo Dulce to arrive in the Osa Peninsula, named by National Geographic as "one of the most biologically intense places on Earth" | Watch for dolphins and humpback whales while enjoying spectacular views of mountains beyond | Discover Corcovado National Park, world-renowned for its unparalleled wildlife, unspoiled beaches and hiking trails | Enjoy more miles of riding in the Osa Peninsula or switch gears and join a local naturalist for a hike on the lush rain forest hiking trails bordering world-renowned Corcovado National Park | Enjoy some downtime poolside, do some yoga or explore the local town of Puerto Jimenez.

Accommodations
Botánika Osa Peninsula
Botánika Osa Peninsula
| *Casual Plus Hotel

This Hilton Curio Collection property nestles in the rain forest of the lush Osa Peninsula, named by National Geographic as "the most biologically intense place on Earth." (pool, spa)

The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.

Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.

Looks like you’re traveling with a smaller group

Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.

Please Select a Group Size

Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.

Activity Level: 2-4

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.

Route notes

Humidity and heat can make routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest.

Daily Route Options

* Includes shuttle.
Day 1
Biking
Level 2 | 24 miles* | 800 ft. gain
Level 3 | 34 miles | 1800 ft. gain
Day 2
Biking
Level 2 | 19 miles* | 1600 ft. gain
Level 3 | 26 miles* | 2000 ft. gain
Other
Hanging Bridges Walk (2 miles; 300' elevation gain) or Yoga Class (1 hour)
Boat Cruise on Lake Arenal (30 minutes)
Day 3
Biking
Level 3 | 29 miles* | 1600 ft. gain
Level 4 | 41 miles | 2700 ft. gain
Other
Hot Springs Visit (2 hours)
Costa Rican Cooking Class (2 hours)
Day 4
Other
Flight to Osa Peninsula (45 minutes)
Biking
Level 2 | 11 miles* | 1300 ft. gain
Level 3 | 28 miles | 2100 ft. gain
Zodiac Boat Trip
Boat Transfer on the Golfo Dulce (45 minutes)
Day 5
Biking
Level 2 | 21 miles* | 800 ft. gain
Level 3 | 33 miles* | 1200 ft. gain
Level 4 | 42 miles* | 1500 ft. gain
Walking & Hiking
OR Naturalist-led Hike in Rio Nuevo Nature Preserve (3 hours)
Day 6
Other
Morning Yoga (1 hour)
Other
Flight to San José (45 minutes)

What's Included

Available Bike Options

The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.

Click the arrow to see all bike options.

Backroads Performance Road Bike
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike

Included in your trip price

This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork. 

Backroads Touring Bike
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike

Included in your trip price

A proven classic, this custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.

Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Electric-Assist Bike

Included in your trip price

Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+

Also Included

  • All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
  • Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
  • Snacks and beverages between meals
  • Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
  • Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
  • Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
  • On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
  • Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
  • Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
  • Park and other entry fees
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
  • Select coach transfers
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Straight talk

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Flights

On this trip we travel by air to reach the exclusive areas this destination has to offer. We will be flying by charter with Sansa Airlines aboard turbo-prop planes that seat 8-14 passengers. These flights occasionally experience delays or cancellations due to inclement weather. In the rare instance a flight is canceled we are prepared to travel by land.

Terrain & Climate

Costa Rica's tropical climate and underdeveloped infrastructure make outdoor adventuring here both epic and challenging. Our options for bike routes can be limited by insufficient road maintenance that results in rough riding conditions. Keep in mind that humidity and heat can make activity more physically demanding.​

Service Standards

“Pura vida”, or “pure life”, is not just a Costa Rican greeting – it’s a state of mind. While Costa Rica’s tourist industry is well accustomed to welcoming foreign visitors, you may still notice that service here can lack a sense of urgency, reflecting the slower pace and relaxed approach to life that is typical throughout the region. As such, patience and a sense of humor are always recommended when traveling in Central America. Rest assured that your Backroads leaders will be close by to ease the way.

On-Your-Own Activities

During the trip there's time for you to enjoy some of Costa Rica's favorite activities, such as zip-lining, horseback riding and surfing. These activities are often a highlight for those who choose to do them, but due to liability issues and because they're not to everyone's liking, they're not included in the cost of the trip and participation is at your own risk.

Peak Season

The holiday and spring break months are a great time to travel; however, with days off and the desire to escape for sunshine many others have the same idea. While we always aim to get off the beaten path, during certain times of the year, crowds and delays are unavoidable, and there may be more traffic on our bike routes than expected.

Ask a trip expert

Have a question and need expert advice? Our team of Trip Consultants is here to help! You can also visit our Help Center.

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